[Instruction] How to get a new phone and keep (legacy) Unlimited Data on Verizon

[bcharron117]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

What specifically should I ask?
I'd obviously prefer to get it at Costco, because it's only $49

 

[Aquila]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

From everything I have read here, Costco does not charge the fee, either, but double check when you make your purchase.

I think you're right, however even if they do, most best buy stores will match the price.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[bcharron117]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

I think you're right, however even if they do, most best buy stores will match the price.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I called Best Buy. They said they don't price match mobile devices.

 

[Aquila]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

I called Best Buy. They said they don't price match mobile devices.

Oh, that's new, they had just changed to allow price matching to Amazon.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

I called Best Buy. They said they don't price match mobile devices.

yeah, BB won't price match on contract phones any longer. Since like March 1st I think.

 

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

What specifically should I ask?
I'd obviously prefer to get it at Costco, because it's only $49

Ask if they have any fees if you drop the data plan and put a dumbphone on the line like Walmart and Amazon have.

 

[Edwill86]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

question (might have been asked already) I have 4 lines (3 androids with unlimited and one basic phone) if I do this method in the OP for one of my lines after its done can I transfer another upgrade to that same basic line and get another phone on contract without losing unlimited? or is there a limit on how many upgrades you can use on a line?

 

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

What specifically should I ask?
I'd obviously prefer to get it at Costco, because it's only $49

I just called my local Costco. I was told they do not charge a fee if you drop the data plan by activating a dumbphone on the line. However, if you do that, the guy told me he loses credit for the sale. I said so that is why Amazon and Walmart charge a fee. He said yes. Then I said well why don't you charge a fee, too? And he said it is their company's policy not to charge the fee for downgrading a data plan.

Instead he tried to talk me into doing an alternate upgrade and transfer the dumbphone line's upgrade to the smartphone line and do the upgrade on the smartphone line. I told him that would cause me to lose unlimited data. He agreed, so don't let anyone talk you into doing an alternate upgrade by switching a dumbphone's upgrade to your unlimited data line.

And don't tell the guy at Costco you are going to put the dumbphone back on the line and drop the data plan. They won't be happy with you because they will lose credit for the sale. Just do it yourself online.

 

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

question (might have been asked already) I have 4 lines (3 androids with unlimited and one basic phone) if I do this method in the OP for one of my lines after its done can I transfer another upgrade to that same basic line and get another phone on contract without losing unlimited? or is there a limit on how many upgrades you can use on a line?

no limit. One guy on another thread or maybe it was earlier in this thread did it twice within 30 minutes at the verizon store.

 

[bcharron117]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

I did it the way you told me. Transferred the eligible upgrade from my Incredible to the ineligible dumb phone line. Activating now. Gonna reactivate old dumb phone from parking lot. Then grab new sum card on way home.

 

[bcharron117]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Crap, I forgot...to reactivate old dumbphone, all I have to do is dial *228, right?
And when I ask for new sim card, do I need the S3 with me? Do I have to tell them which line it's for?

 

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Crap, I forgot...to reactivate old dumbphone, all I have to do is dial *228, right?

I just logged into my account and did it that way. Not sure how it would work if you dial *228.

And when I ask for new sim card, do I need the S3 with me? Do I have to tell them which line it's for?

I brought the phone with me but I don't know if it was necessary. The phone was an iPhone 5 and it needed a special tool to change the nano SIM so I was glad I had it with me. I think you have to tell them which line it is for because I think they need to be able to associate the SIM card number with the specific wireless number in the system. Or maybe you could do that yourself online, but it just was easier for me to let them do it. They don't ask questions about why you want to switch around your phones.

 

[dpham00]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Oh, that's new, they had just changed to allow price matching to Amazon.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

They have been price matching Amazon since last year. The recent policy that was supposed to end show rooming, even though it reduced the return period from 30 to 15 days and also was the one that ended price match of contract phones and that went into effect early March.

Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II

 

[bcharron117]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

I believe you. But of course, at any time Verizon can close this loophole so I would check until you make it through the next billing cycle. Supposedly at 14 days your contract is locked so it should be fine if unlimited stays on your line for the next 14 days.

Glad it worked out for you! I hope the loophole stays open at least until September when I have 2 unlimited lines that will be eligible for an upgrade.

Yeah, I hope so too. Because my next billing cycle isn't for another 18 days! Perhaps I should have planned that batter...just in case.

 

[bcharron117]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

BOO-YAH!!!!
Success!

 

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

BOO-YAH!!!!
Success!

Awesome, did you use *228 to activate the dumbphone or do it online?

What happened in the VZW store when you got the SIM? Did they activate the new phone on the unlimited data line or just give you a SIM card?

Don't forget to keep checking your unlimited data line to make sure it keeps its unlimited data. There should be no problem, but best to check for awhile to make sure.

 

[bcharron117]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Awesome, did you use *228 to activate the dumbphone or do it online?

Played it safe and did it online.

What happened in the VZW store when you got the SIM? Did they activate the new phone on the unlimited data line or just give you a SIM card?

Again, I was following the example/path of my fearless leader (you) and took it in with me. They put sim card in S3, asked me which phone number. (gave them my unlimited data line) Put it in, activated, good to go!

Don't forget to keep checking your unlimited data line to make sure it keeps its unlimited data. There should be no problem, but best to check for awhile to make sure.

I will continue to do so. I was going to put a screenshot here for you, but it wants me to host it somewhere first. I figured you'd take my word for it...

 

[androidluvr2]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

I will continue to do so. I was going to put a screenshot here for you, but it wants me to host it somewhere first. I figured you'd take my word for it...

I believe you. But of course, at any time Verizon can close this loophole so I would check until you make it through the next billing cycle. Supposedly at 14 days your contract is locked so it should be fine if unlimited stays on your line for the next 14 days.

Glad it worked out for you! I hope the loophole stays open at least until September when I have 2 unlimited lines that will be eligible for an upgrade.

 

[Edwill86]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

ok possible stupid question. when I use my upgrade on my basic line and active the new phone with data. can I then just use another upgrade (have 3) with out re activating my basic phone to get the 2nd phone? Do I even have to activate the first new phone to use my upgrade on the 2nd phone. example if I where to order a gs3 on my basic line with the upgrade, then use another upgrade on that line to have another gs3 shipped at the same time? this is sounding like it might cause some problems if you can do that. I think its prob less crazy to order the first gs3, get it, activate, reactivate the basic, then use another upgrade to order the 2nd gs3. what do you think?

 

[bcharron117]

Re: [Instruction]How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

I believe you. But of course, at any time Verizon can close this loophole so I would check until you make it through the next billing cycle. Supposedly at 14 days your contract is locked so it should be fine if unlimited stays on your line for the next 14 days.

Glad it worked out for you! I hope the loophole stays open at least until September when I have 2 unlimited lines that will be eligible for an upgrade.

Yeah, me too. Because my billing cycle date is in 18 days. Perhaps I should have planned that better....just in case.